Foaming seas and a brisk breeze couldn't put off the dozens of stalwart swimmers who braved the sea at Charmouth on Christmas Day.

While saner souls stayed by the fire, men dressed as hula-hula “girls”, a chap in a lampshade and even girls in bikinis ran into freezing waves breaking on the beach.

Scores of onlookers wrapped in coats, hats and scarves cheered on the swimmers who took the plunge in the annual event, which has been held for more than 40 years.

And having travelled from Greece were Sue and Nat Makrygianni, daughter and grand-daughter of Irene Milton, one of the original ten swimmers in 1972. Nat took part in the swim while Sue was on the beach with encouragement and a dry towel.

Organisers and the RNLI waited until 10am on Christmas morning to make a decision on whether it was safe for the swim to go ahead after the storms of the previous days left the sea in a much choppier state than normal.

The RNLI volunteers established a safe area for the swim to take place and hot toddies provided by Royal Oak landlords Phil and Angie Aylett were waiting as shivering swimmers emerged from the water.

A collection was made in aid of the RNLI and it is hoped the total raised from the event will top £1,700.

Mrs Aylett said the event was “brilliant”.

“It went really, really well, “ she added. “ At one point it did look as if we might not be able to hold it, but they all went in and had a lot of fun.”